Jersey Shore Fall Events 2026: Festivals & Parades by Town
Published October 9, 2026
The greenheads are gone and the shore towns are throwing one party after another. Here is every confirmed fall event from Highlands to Cape May, sorted by town, from Columbus Day weekend through Thanksgiving.
Quick Answer
There are 55 confirmed fall events in 28 Jersey Shore towns between Oct. 9 and Thanksgiving weekend 2026, and 35 are free. The biggest dates are the Sea Isle City Halloween Parade (Fri., Oct. 16), Boo at the Zoo in Cape May Court House (Sat., Oct. 24), the Cape May City Halloween Parade (Sun., Oct. 25), the Ocean City Halloween Parade (Thu., Oct. 29) and the Toms River Halloween Parade on Halloween night. Cape May has the most events with 8.
Pick Your Weekend
- On now: Already running (3 events)
- Oct. 9 to 12: Columbus Day weekend (18 events)
- Oct. 15 to 18: Mid October (10 events)
- Oct. 22 to 25: Late October (8 events)
- Oct. 29 to 31: Halloween week (3 events)
- Nov. 5 to 8: Early November (2 events)
- Nov. 20 to 22: Before Thanksgiving (4 events)
- Nov. 27 to 28: Thanksgiving weekend (7 events)
Jump to Your Town
- North Shore
Highlands (1) · Red Bank (1) · Spring Lake (1) · Manasquan (2) · Point Pleasant Beach (2) · Point Pleasant (1) - Central Shore
Lavallette (1) · Seaside Heights (1) · Toms River (4) · South Toms River (1) · Forked River (1) · Manahawkin (1) · Long Beach Island (2) · Ship Bottom (1) · Surf City (1) - South Shore
Brigantine (1) · Atlantic City (3) · Historic Smithville (2) · Ocean City (7) · Sea Isle City (4) · Avalon (2) · Stone Harbor (1) · Cape May Court House (1) · Wildwood (2) · Wildwood Crest (1) · West Cape May (1) · Cape May (8) · Cape May Point (1)
North Shore fall events: Monmouth County to Point Pleasant
8 events in 6 towns
Monmouth County · 1 event
Highlands fall events
The fishing town at the foot of the Twin Lights kicks off fall with a walkable tasting day.
Fall Taste of Highlands
Sample food and drinks from local restaurants and shops all over town.
Monmouth County · 1 event
Red Bank fall events
Red Bank sits on the Navesink River just inland from Sea Bright and throws one of the area’s biggest Oktoberfests.
Red Bank Oktoberfest
Red Bank RiverCenter’s Oktoberfest brings beer, food and fall fun to the heart of downtown.
Monmouth County · 1 event
Spring Lake fall events
Quiet Spring Lake saves its big moment for the holidays, when a free model train village opens in Duggan Hall.
Spring Lake Christmas Train Village
A free model train Christmas village that opens the Saturday after Thanksgiving.
Monmouth County · 2 events
Manasquan fall events
Manasquan’s Main Street stays busy well after the surf crowd heads home. Manasquan beach guide →
Fall Squan Artisan Market
The chamber’s artisan market fills Main Street with local makers. The rain date is Sunday, Oct. 25.
Manasquan Turkey Trot
The 43rd running of this five mile race on the Saturday before Thanksgiving. Registration is closed, so come out and cheer.
Ocean County · 2 events
Point Pleasant Beach fall events
Point Pleasant Beach marks Halloween and the holidays with two easy, walkable downtown traditions.
Point Pleasant Beach Witches Walk
A costumed Halloween stroll along Arnold Avenue.
Tree Lighting and Santa’s Arrival
Santa rolls in by fire truck for the Bay Avenue tree lighting the night after Thanksgiving.
Ocean County · 1 event
Point Pleasant fall events
The borough across the canal from Point Pleasant Beach throws a rare October fireworks show on the river.
Point Pleasant Fall Fireworks Festival
Live music, food vendors, kids activities and a beer garden, capped off with fireworks over the river.
Central Shore fall events: Lavallette to Long Beach Island
13 events in 9 towns
Ocean County · 1 event
Lavallette fall events
Lavallette’s fall soup crawl is one of the coziest small town events on the barrier island.
Soups of the Shore and Craft Festival
Taste soups from local kitchens and shop a craft fair in one stop.
Ocean County · 1 event
Seaside Heights fall events
Seaside Heights trades summer crowds for a three day Italian street festival every Columbus Day weekend. Seaside Heights beach guide →
Ocean County Columbus Day Italian Festival and Parade
Three days of Italian food and music on Grant Avenue, featuring a folkloric performance group brought in from Italy. The Columbus Day Parade rolls down the Boulevard Sunday at 1 p.m.
Ocean County · 4 events
Toms River fall events
Downtown Toms River runs a full month of fall programming, ending with one of the area’s biggest Halloween parades.
Downtown Toms River Scarecrow Walk
Two weeks of decorated scarecrows lining the downtown streets.
Downtown Toms River Harvest Arts Festival
A juried fall art show on Washington Street.
Haunted Downtown Toms River
An evening Halloween street event downtown.
Toms River Halloween Parade
One of the area’s biggest Halloween parades marches through downtown on Halloween night.
Ocean County · 1 event
South Toms River fall events
South Toms River’s fire company hosts a hometown festival with food and drinks.
South Toms River Firemen’s Fest
Food, drinks and a hometown crowd supporting the local fire company.
Ocean County · 1 event
Forked River (Lacey Township) fall events
Forked River sits just inland from Barnegat Bay, and its farm festival runs every weekend through Nov. 1.
Argos Farm Fall Festival
Pumpkin picking, a corn maze and fall activities on a farm a short drive from the bay.
Ocean County · 1 event
Manahawkin (Stafford Township) fall events
Manahawkin sits at the foot of the Causeway to LBI, which makes its harvest and wine festival an easy add to an island weekend.
Turning it into a wine weekend? See our best Jersey Shore wineries.
Stafford Fall Harvest and Wine Festival
New Jersey wineries pour both days. The harvest festival and a Halloween parade run Saturday only.
Ocean County · 2 events
Long Beach Island (islandwide) fall events
Fall is fishing and running season on LBI, with events that cover all 18 miles of the island.
Staying on the island? Our Beach Haven and Barnegat Light guides cover the north and south ends.
72nd Long Beach Island Surf Fishing Classic
One of the oldest surf fishing tournaments in the country, with more than $25,000 in prizes for striped bass, bluefish, kingfish, blackfish, red drum and fluke. Register at Surf City Bait and Tackle, Fisherman’s Headquarters in Ship Bottom or Jingles Bait and Tackle in Beach Haven.
LBI 18 Mile Run and 12K
The 53rd running of the race that covers the length of the island. Both distances are full, so line the route and cheer.
Ocean County · 1 event
Ship Bottom fall events
Ship Bottom, the gateway to LBI, fills its October sky with giant kites. Ship Bottom beach guide →
LBI FLY International Kite Festival
Giant kites from flyers around the world, plus a glowing Night Fly after dark.
Ocean County · 1 event
Surf City fall events
Surf City’s fire hall is home base for a fall surf fishing tournament now in its 9th year. Surf City beach guide →
Jeff Bajek Memorial Surf Fishing Tournament
The 9th annual surf tournament, run under ASAC rules.
South Shore fall events: Brigantine to Cape May
34 events in 13 towns
Atlantic County · 1 event
Brigantine fall events
Brigantine opens its beach to dogs for a charity walk this October.
Pup Strut Beach Walk
A charity dog walk on Brigantine’s beach.
Atlantic County · 3 events
Atlantic City fall events
Atlantic City mixes comedy, a historic marathon and a free family day at its lighthouse. Atlantic City beach guide →
Atlantic City Comedy Festival
Two nights of stand up at Boardwalk Hall.
Atlantic City Marathon
The nation’s third oldest marathon, with 8 miles on the Boardwalk. Spectators are free.
Pumpkin Patch Family Fun Festival
A family pumpkin festival on the grounds of New Jersey’s tallest lighthouse.
Atlantic County · 2 events
Historic Smithville (Galloway) fall events
The restored village of Historic Smithville, a short drive from Atlantic City, hosts free weekend festivals all fall.
Historic Smithville Irish Festival
Two days of Irish music, food and dancing in the historic village.
Historic Smithville Corvette Show
Corvettes of every generation, free to browse.
Cape May County · 7 events
Ocean City fall events
Ocean City packs a busy fall calendar onto Asbury Avenue and the Boardwalk. Ocean City beach guide →
Ocean City Fall Block Party
Ocean City’s largest street fair, with crafters, vendors and food stands across ten blocks of Asbury Avenue.
Porsche Boardwalk Reunion
Porsches line the Boardwalk, with tech sessions at the Music Pier.
Dog Days on the Boardwalk and Howl-O-Ween Parade
Dogs are welcome on the Boardwalk all weekend, with a pet costume parade Saturday.
Clean Ocean Action Fall Beach Sweeps
The statewide fall beach cleanup, with sites in Ocean City and up and down the shore.
Ocean City Halloween Parade
Costumed kids and families, floats, bands, pets and fire trucks parade down Asbury Avenue on the Thursday before Halloween.
Earlier Than the Bird Shopping
Early morning holiday shopping deals on Asbury Avenue the Saturday before Thanksgiving.
Christmas in the Downtown: Our Miracle on Asbury Avenue
Ocean City’s holiday kickoff the day after Thanksgiving.
Cape May County · 4 events
Sea Isle City fall events
Sea Isle City turns Excursion Park into its fall and holiday headquarters. Sea Isle City beach guide →
Sea Isle City Halloween Parade and Family Dance Party
Costumed walkers, decorated golf carts and floats parade through town, followed by a family dance party at Excursion Park.
Sea Isle City Harvest Classic
An autumn festival at Excursion Park with hayrides on the beach.
Sea Isle City Fall Girls Weekend
Deals and events at participating Sea Isle businesses the weekend before Thanksgiving.
Sea Isle City Winter Village
A Thanksgiving weekend holiday village in Excursion Park, with the tree lighting Friday.
Cape May County · 2 events
Avalon fall events
Avalon celebrates fall with a seafood showdown and a Thanksgiving weekend fun run. Avalon beach guide →
Avalon Arts and Seafood Festival
Local restaurants compete for the best seafood dish. The rain date is Sunday, Oct. 11.
Avalon Turkey Trot 5K and 1.5 Mile Walk
A charity 5K and family walk the Friday after Thanksgiving.
Cape May County · 1 event
Stone Harbor fall events
Stone Harbor’s restaurants get their own long weekend in October. Stone Harbor beach guide →
Stone Harbor Fall Restaurant Weekend
A long weekend spotlighting Stone Harbor’s restaurants.
Cape May County · 1 event
Cape May Court House fall events
The county seat is home to the Cape May County Park & Zoo and its free Halloween party.
Boo at the Zoo
Costume contest, candy and live animal presentations at the county zoo.
Cape May County · 2 events
Wildwood fall events
Wildwood’s Fox Park and Byrne Plaza host free festivals into the holiday season. Wildwood beach guide →
Wildwoods Fall Festival
A free autumn festival in Fox Park, a block from the Boardwalk.
Wildwoods Holiday Shopping Village
A Small Business Saturday holiday market.
Cape May County · 1 event
Wildwood Crest fall events
The flat streets of the Wildwoods make for a fast fall race course. Wildwood Crest beach guide →
5 Mile Beach Half Marathon, 10K and 5K
A fast, flat course through the Wildwoods with three distances to choose from.
Cape May County · 1 event
West Cape May fall events
West Cape May honors its farming history with a festival built around the lima bean.
West Cape May Lima Bean Festival
West Cape May celebrates its farming roots with lima bean dishes, crafts and live music.
Cape May County · 8 events
Cape May fall events
Cape May has the busiest fall calendar in this guide, from Victorian Weekend to the first holiday lights. Cape May beach guide →
Scarecrow Alley at the Emlen Physick Estate
Handmade scarecrows, some funny and some spooky, line the walkways of the 1879 estate. Vote for your favorite.
Victorian Weekend
House tours, dinners and themed events celebrating Cape May’s Victorian heritage.
Cape May Fall Festival
NJ Audubon’s birding festival during peak fall migration, with field trips and talks.
Autumn Exit Zero Jazz Festival
The fall edition of Cape May’s Exit Zero Jazz Festival.
Cape May City Halloween Parade
Costumed kids, groups, floats and decorated golf carts wind through town, ending with a trophy ceremony at Cape May MAC. There is no rain date. Marchers register by Oct. 18 at Cape May Convention Hall, 714 Beach Ave.
Cape May Restaurant Weekend
Four nights of three course prix fixe dinners at restaurants across town.
Holiday Preview Weekend and Physick Estate Tree Lighting
Cape May starts its holiday season with a Dickens style village and the estate’s tree lighting.
Winter Wonderland at Congress Hall
Congress Hall’s holiday village on the lawn, open Thanksgiving weekend through New Year’s Eve.
Cape May County · 1 event
Cape May Point fall events
Cape May Point anchors the south end of a statewide lighthouse tour.
Lighthouse Challenge of New Jersey
A two day route to lighthouses across the state, anchored in the south by the Cape May Lighthouse.
Get the weekend’s best events before everyone else
Join the Flies On The Beach email list for shore events, conditions and insider tips, sorted for your town.
Every Jersey Shore fall event by date
All 55 events in date order. Select an event name to jump to its town.
| Date (2026) | Event | Town | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Already running On now | |||
| Aug. 29 to Nov. 29 | 72nd Long Beach Island Surf Fishing Classic | Long Beach Island | $40 adults, $20 ages 17 and under |
| Sept. 12 to Nov. 1 | Argos Farm Fall Festival | Forked River | Admission fee |
| Oct. 5 to Nov. 2 | Scarecrow Alley at the Emlen Physick Estate | Cape May | Free to stroll the grounds |
| Columbus Day weekend Oct. 9 to 12 | |||
| Oct. 8 to 11 | Stone Harbor Fall Restaurant Weekend | Stone Harbor | See host |
| Oct. 9 to 10 | Atlantic City Comedy Festival | Atlantic City | Ticketed |
| Oct. 9 to 23 | Downtown Toms River Scarecrow Walk | Toms River | Free |
| Oct. 9 to 10 | LBI FLY International Kite Festival | Ship Bottom | Free |
| Oct. 9 to 11 | Ocean County Columbus Day Italian Festival and Parade | Seaside Heights | Free |
| Oct. 9 to 12 | Victorian Weekend | Cape May | Free to about $40 per event |
| Oct. 10 | Avalon Arts and Seafood Festival | Avalon | Free |
| Oct. 10 | Fall Taste of Highlands | Highlands | See host |
| Oct. 10 to 11 | Historic Smithville Irish Festival | Historic Smithville | Free |
| Oct. 10 | Jeff Bajek Memorial Surf Fishing Tournament | Surf City | $100 per team of 6, $20 individual |
| Oct. 10 | Ocean City Fall Block Party | Ocean City | Free |
| Oct. 10 | Point Pleasant Fall Fireworks Festival | Point Pleasant | See host |
| Oct. 10 | Pup Strut Beach Walk | Brigantine | $25 for one dog, $40 for two. Humans walk free |
| Oct. 10 | Red Bank Oktoberfest | Red Bank | Free admission |
| Oct. 10 | South Toms River Firemen’s Fest | South Toms River | See host |
| Oct. 10 to 11 | Stafford Fall Harvest and Wine Festival | Manahawkin | Free entry. Wine samplers 21+ pay $20 in advance or $25 cash at the gate |
| Oct. 10 | West Cape May Lima Bean Festival | West Cape May | Free |
| Oct. 11 | LBI 18 Mile Run and 12K | Long Beach Island | Sold out for 2026 |
| Mid October Oct. 15 to 18 | |||
| Oct. 15 to 18 | Cape May Fall Festival | Cape May | Registration required |
| Oct. 16 | Sea Isle City Halloween Parade and Family Dance Party | Sea Isle City | Free |
| Oct. 17 to 18 | Atlantic City Marathon | Atlantic City | $80 to $120 registration |
| Oct. 17 | Downtown Toms River Harvest Arts Festival | Toms River | Free |
| Oct. 17 to 18 | Lighthouse Challenge of New Jersey | Cape May Point | $10, kids 11 and under free |
| Oct. 17 | Porsche Boardwalk Reunion | Ocean City | Free |
| Oct. 17 | Sea Isle City Harvest Classic | Sea Isle City | Free |
| Oct. 17 | Soups of the Shore and Craft Festival | Lavallette | $10 at the door |
| Oct. 17 | Wildwoods Fall Festival | Wildwood | Free |
| Oct. 18 | Historic Smithville Corvette Show | Historic Smithville | Free |
| Late October Oct. 22 to 25 | |||
| Oct. 22 | Pumpkin Patch Family Fun Festival | Atlantic City | Free |
| Oct. 23 to 25 | Autumn Exit Zero Jazz Festival | Cape May | 3 day VIP $280, single day VIP $125 plus fees |
| Oct. 24 | Boo at the Zoo | Cape May Court House | Free |
| Oct. 24 | Clean Ocean Action Fall Beach Sweeps | Ocean City | Free |
| Oct. 24 to 25 | Dog Days on the Boardwalk and Howl-O-Ween Parade | Ocean City | Free |
| Oct. 24 | Fall Squan Artisan Market | Manasquan | Free |
| Oct. 24 | Haunted Downtown Toms River | Toms River | Free |
| Oct. 25 | Cape May City Halloween Parade | Cape May | Free |
| Halloween week Oct. 29 to 31 | |||
| Oct. 29 | Ocean City Halloween Parade | Ocean City | Free |
| Oct. 29 | Point Pleasant Beach Witches Walk | Point Pleasant Beach | Free |
| Oct. 31 | Toms River Halloween Parade | Toms River | Free to watch |
| Early November Nov. 5 to 8 | |||
| Nov. 5 to 8 | Cape May Restaurant Weekend | Cape May | Prix fixe menus from $38 |
| Nov. 7 | 5 Mile Beach Half Marathon, 10K and 5K | Wildwood Crest | $40 to $90 depending on distance |
| Before Thanksgiving Nov. 20 to 22 | |||
| Nov. 20 to 22 | Sea Isle City Fall Girls Weekend | Sea Isle City | Free |
| Nov. 21 | Earlier Than the Bird Shopping | Ocean City | Free |
| Nov. 21 | Holiday Preview Weekend and Physick Estate Tree Lighting | Cape May | Free |
| Nov. 21 | Manasquan Turkey Trot | Manasquan | Field is full, no race day entries |
| Thanksgiving weekend Nov. 27 to 28 | |||
| Nov. 27 | Avalon Turkey Trot 5K and 1.5 Mile Walk | Avalon | $35 online through Nov. 26, $45 race day |
| Nov. 27 | Christmas in the Downtown: Our Miracle on Asbury Avenue | Ocean City | Free |
| Nov. 27 to 28 | Sea Isle City Winter Village | Sea Isle City | Free |
| Nov. 27 | Tree Lighting and Santa’s Arrival | Point Pleasant Beach | Free |
| Nov. 27 to Dec. 31 | Winter Wonderland at Congress Hall | Cape May | Free |
| Nov. 28 | Spring Lake Christmas Train Village | Spring Lake | Free |
| Nov. 28 | Wildwoods Holiday Shopping Village | Wildwood | Free |
Tips for a fall weekend at the shore
- Book your room before the big weekends. Small towns run out of rooms first when they host a festival, especially Cape May during Victorian Weekend and Ocean City during Halloween week.
- Check hours before you drive. Many restaurants and shops cut back to weekends or close for the season after Halloween, so call ahead or check social pages.
- Watch the rain dates. Some events have one, like Avalon Arts and Seafood (Oct. 11) and the Fall Squan Artisan Market (Oct. 25). The Cape May City Halloween Parade does not.
- Pack layers. Afternoons can feel like summer on the beach and turn cold fast once the sun drops, especially at evening parades.
New to the off season? Our Local Summer guide covers what stays open after Labor Day, and our fall festivals bucket list rounds up the season’s signature festivals. For a chilly afternoon, try one of the best coffee shops or breweries at the shore, or grab some fall beach gear for a bonfire night.
Jersey Shore fall events FAQ
What fall events are happening at the Jersey Shore in 2026?
This guide lists 55 confirmed fall events in 28 Jersey Shore towns from Oct. 9 through Thanksgiving weekend 2026, and 35 of them are free. Highlights include the Sea Isle City Halloween Parade on Oct. 16, Boo at the Zoo in Cape May Court House on Oct. 24, the Cape May City Halloween Parade on Oct. 25, the Ocean City Halloween Parade on Oct. 29 and the Toms River Halloween Parade on Halloween night.
When is the Ocean City Halloween Parade in 2026?
The Ocean City Halloween Parade is Thursday, Oct. 29, 2026 on Asbury Avenue. It is free to watch and includes costumed kids and families, floats, bands, pets and fire trucks.
When is the Sea Isle City Halloween Parade in 2026?
Sea Isle City’s Halloween Parade and Family Dance Party is Friday, Oct. 16, 2026 from 7 to 9 p.m. The dance party follows the parade at Excursion Park, and both are free.
When is the Cape May Halloween Parade in 2026?
The Cape May City Halloween Parade is Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026 and starts at 3 p.m., with a trophy ceremony afterward at Cape May MAC. There is no rain date. Anyone who wants to march must register by Oct. 18 at Cape May Convention Hall, 714 Beach Ave.
When is Boo at the Zoo at the Cape May County Zoo?
Boo at the Zoo is Saturday, Oct. 24, 2026 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Cape May County Park and Zoo in Cape May Court House. It is free and includes a costume contest, candy and live animal presentations.
Which Jersey Shore town has the most fall events?
Cape May has the most fall events in this guide with 8, including Victorian Weekend, Scarecrow Alley, the Cape May City Halloween Parade and Cape May Restaurant Weekend. Ocean City is close behind with 7.
Are Jersey Shore fall festivals free?
Most are. 35 of the 55 events in this guide are free to attend, including every Halloween parade listed. Ticketed events include the Autumn Exit Zero Jazz Festival, the Atlantic City Marathon, the LBI Surf Fishing Classic and Soups of the Shore in Lavallette.
What is happening at the Jersey Shore on Thanksgiving weekend 2026?
On Friday, Nov. 27, Ocean City holds Christmas in the Downtown with Santa arriving at 5 p.m., Point Pleasant Beach lights its tree, Avalon runs its Turkey Trot and Sea Isle City opens its Winter Village. Winter Wonderland at Congress Hall in Cape May also opens Nov. 27 and runs through Dec. 31.
Are there greenhead flies at the Jersey Shore in the fall?
Greenhead season peaks in July, and the flies are mostly gone by September, which is a big part of why fall is such a good time for shore events. You can check current conditions on the Flies On The Beach Fly Report.
Dates and details were confirmed with town, chamber and event organizer listings as of Oct. 9, 2026. Events can change because of weather, so check with the host before you go. Know of an event we missed? Let us know.
